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by Doberdoodle on 13 September 2010 - 22:09
Board and train is an EXCELLENT option, if it's the right trainer.
I do not know of National K-9. They have a fancy website, but do not go by websites alone-- You must go there and observe and ask questions, as well as read reviews and get references from them, from actual past clients.
This is what I do for a living, I do board and trains and tons of lessons, so I can see that it can work out. Private lessons and beginner classes are difficult because you have not only an untrained owner, but an untrained dog, it's easier to hand someone a trained dog and teach them to be a handler, not a trainer. People need to let go of their dog for 2-4 weeks, yes, but believe me, a trainer will do a better job than a dog owner can. Imagine the pet owner may have trained 1, 2, or even 5 dogs in their lifetime. Many people they think their dog is a freak of nature, or really severe issues, when in reality, the trainer has seen these issues all the time! The professional trainer has trained hundreds or thousands. They know how to read the dog, what the dog needs to learn, and gets it done efficiently. I go by what the dog needs, individualized, today I took 2 dogs to PetSmart to work them there b/c they have dog issues, where better to see barking Chihuahuas! Not all trainers leave the kennel. Training done only inside one room is not going to be enough for most dogs! Then the owner comes back into the picture, and that is the important part. What is the follow up? What if you have another issue with your dog, are they going to help you keep up on the training?
Options go in order from least effective to most- In a group class, you may get 60% of your dogs potential, in a private lesson 75%, and in a board and train 90%. Now this also depends greatly on what you do at home, but even when someone swears to me they have been dilligently practicing, progress can sometimes be slow, it depends.
Nothing makes me feel better than when a client calls me a week after their dog goes home and says "OH MY GOD, THANK YOU!!! We can't believe how good he is, a weird guy walked past and Rex sat and behaved!!! He is a different dog." And the "You saved my dogs life," that is touching to me too, although a bit too emotional for my liking, clients cry and so forth. If someone takes their dog home and time goes by and I haven't heard from them, I will call them and check. If there's problems, I either give them advice on the phone or tell them come back for a free lesson. I offer free classes for the lifetime of the dog. Look into the trainers experience with the issues you're having, and just ask them "These are my dogs issues, how would you go about resolving them?" Really do your research. Most of my clients Google me, they ask me 100 questions, and some even ask for references if they were not referred by a previous client. You would ask for a reference of a client that has had an aggressive dog trained.
I do not know of National K-9. They have a fancy website, but do not go by websites alone-- You must go there and observe and ask questions, as well as read reviews and get references from them, from actual past clients.
This is what I do for a living, I do board and trains and tons of lessons, so I can see that it can work out. Private lessons and beginner classes are difficult because you have not only an untrained owner, but an untrained dog, it's easier to hand someone a trained dog and teach them to be a handler, not a trainer. People need to let go of their dog for 2-4 weeks, yes, but believe me, a trainer will do a better job than a dog owner can. Imagine the pet owner may have trained 1, 2, or even 5 dogs in their lifetime. Many people they think their dog is a freak of nature, or really severe issues, when in reality, the trainer has seen these issues all the time! The professional trainer has trained hundreds or thousands. They know how to read the dog, what the dog needs to learn, and gets it done efficiently. I go by what the dog needs, individualized, today I took 2 dogs to PetSmart to work them there b/c they have dog issues, where better to see barking Chihuahuas! Not all trainers leave the kennel. Training done only inside one room is not going to be enough for most dogs! Then the owner comes back into the picture, and that is the important part. What is the follow up? What if you have another issue with your dog, are they going to help you keep up on the training?
Options go in order from least effective to most- In a group class, you may get 60% of your dogs potential, in a private lesson 75%, and in a board and train 90%. Now this also depends greatly on what you do at home, but even when someone swears to me they have been dilligently practicing, progress can sometimes be slow, it depends.
Nothing makes me feel better than when a client calls me a week after their dog goes home and says "OH MY GOD, THANK YOU!!! We can't believe how good he is, a weird guy walked past and Rex sat and behaved!!! He is a different dog." And the "You saved my dogs life," that is touching to me too, although a bit too emotional for my liking, clients cry and so forth. If someone takes their dog home and time goes by and I haven't heard from them, I will call them and check. If there's problems, I either give them advice on the phone or tell them come back for a free lesson. I offer free classes for the lifetime of the dog. Look into the trainers experience with the issues you're having, and just ask them "These are my dogs issues, how would you go about resolving them?" Really do your research. Most of my clients Google me, they ask me 100 questions, and some even ask for references if they were not referred by a previous client. You would ask for a reference of a client that has had an aggressive dog trained.
by Doberdoodle on 13 September 2010 - 22:09
Additionally, like Sitasmom said, (I missed this), 5-10 days is not sufficient! There is nothing I can do with a dog in 5-10 days that will be sufficient to make a real difference with behavior issues. It takes 1-3 days just to develop any trust or bond with the dog, let alone do all the training and distractions. 14 days minimum, but rarely does a dog ever need 6 weeks like some places offer. I like 2 or 3 weeks. My feeling is that when places offer long courses like 6 weeks, they may feel to lazy thinking the dog has time and not be working the dog as much as they should be, as yankee girl mentioned.
Lastly, make sure the methods are humane, make sure the kennel areas are clean, and I would want to know who is working with my dog. I don't like places that just sub-contract the work. You have the head trainer you speak to, but then an assistant does the whole training, so be aware of that.
I've heard horror stores about board and trains, including a trainer who let a dog sit in the kennel and charged the people money to only work it for the last 3 days, dogs coming out scared or aggressive, etc. But go with the right trainer/company and you will be fine. All the dogs here get the right treatment and it's very important to me that they are not only progressing in training, but they are not stressed and are happy.
The biggest things to me is 1) methods are humane and trainers apply them correctly to the individual dog 2) they have a plan developed for the dog that will be effective and 3) there is quality instruction follow-up for the owner.
Lastly, make sure the methods are humane, make sure the kennel areas are clean, and I would want to know who is working with my dog. I don't like places that just sub-contract the work. You have the head trainer you speak to, but then an assistant does the whole training, so be aware of that.
I've heard horror stores about board and trains, including a trainer who let a dog sit in the kennel and charged the people money to only work it for the last 3 days, dogs coming out scared or aggressive, etc. But go with the right trainer/company and you will be fine. All the dogs here get the right treatment and it's very important to me that they are not only progressing in training, but they are not stressed and are happy.
The biggest things to me is 1) methods are humane and trainers apply them correctly to the individual dog 2) they have a plan developed for the dog that will be effective and 3) there is quality instruction follow-up for the owner.
by animules on 13 September 2010 - 23:09
Doberdoodle, well said.
Also, make sure you go see and handle the dog weekly. Do not let a trainer tell you to wait until the dog is working well. You need to go see and have hands on time, both to learn as you go, and to make sure the dog is happy, being worked, and healthy.
by Nans gsd on 13 September 2010 - 23:09
Hi: I don't think that is enough time at his age particularly to do everything you need to do with him; can you attend his training sessions?? I know you said 2 hours away, but I would want to attend at least one of his training lessons each day for the first week at least to make sure they are on the up and up. You will also learn while watching and then you can decide if you like what they are doing. Will they let you do that?? If not every day, every other day. It could be helpful to have someone else handling him and you watch. Then possibly participate soon after his arrival at the facility. Good luck what ever you decide. Nanci
by ShadyLady on 14 September 2010 - 00:09
Damn, it's too bad you just can't find someone worthwhile to train with in private lessons....
by beetree on 14 September 2010 - 01:09
Exactly, Shadylady.... the best, closest, private trainer, ASAP. The very least they will give is a thorough professional evaluation and that will make it easier to make the next steps.
by Sheesh on 14 September 2010 - 11:09
I am not saying that sending a dog awayvfor training is a bad thing. I am saying that Deanna is a very eager, intelligent, able bodied woman, who can benefit immensely from working one on one with the correct guidance. The dog needs consistent training, then it will have clarity. Deanna CAN do this.
Theresa
by raymond on 14 September 2010 - 13:09
Please read the opening commentary in (some good messege) just recently posted on this message board by inc! I read it and immediately thought about this situation! I hope it helps and encourages Ruger ! I particularilly focused upon these two statements from the post! Remember that the greatest obstacle you and your dog will ever face is you.
If you put limitations upon yourself, you will put limitations upon the dogs. If you can
think it you can accomplish it.
If you put limitations upon yourself, you will put limitations upon the dogs. If you can
think it you can accomplish it.
by Sheesh on 14 September 2010 - 13:09
Very nicw Raymond!
by Ruger1 on 14 September 2010 - 13:09
Raymond,,,,,
This is true...Thank you for the reminder and the vote of confidence..
This is true...Thank you for the reminder and the vote of confidence..
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